premiere screenings
Central Queensland’s premiere film destination event containing masterclasses, panel discussions and selected documentary, feature and short films in competition reviewed by a jury of film and entertainment professionals with the winners receiving cash prizes and trophies.
DATES AND DEADLINES
​
Opening Date: Feb 10 2025
Regular Deadline: Oct 2 2025
Late Deadline: Oct 24 2025
Notification Date: Nov 3 2025
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Capricorn film festival was established to encourage production, not just exhibition. Our event is not just about ‘showing’ films – it’s about ‘making’ them. We aim to provide you with the opportunity to showcase your work to as wide an audience as possible, and help you promote your career and film-making endeavours.
​
​ The festival is open to any level of filmmaker, from amateur to professional and is supported by some of Australia's premiere filmmakers and industry companies.
​
The Capricorn Film Festival is competitive, with over $4,000 in prizes and trophies awarded on to the winners. The categories include:
​
Feature Films in competition:
CAPS Feature - $1000 (AUD) World Open
​
Documentaries in competition:
CAPS Doco - $1000 (AUD) World Open
OTHER AWARDS
CAPS Best Director
CAPS Best Actor
CAPS Short Film Competition:
CAPS Short - $1000 (AUD) World Open
Best Short Director
Best Shorts Actor
​
OTHER AWARDS
CQ Shorts - $500 (AUD) CQ only
CAPS EXPerimental
CQ Rising Star
RULES AND TERMS
All Films must be submitted to the Film Festival by 24th Oct 2025.
Only films completed after 1st May 2024 will be considered for the sections.
Any genre of short film under 10 minutes length will be considered for CQ Shorts.
Any genre of short film under 20 minutes length will be considered for CAPS World
Minimum length of 60 minutes is required per Feature film entry.
Minimum length of 60 minutes per Documentary entry.
All films must not have appeared on Australian television, Pay TV or be screened on an internet site.
Short Films do not require a premiere screening to be accepted.
Must be subtitled in English if not English language.
Filmmakers must enter the correct category. Festival staff reserve the right to request proof.
Entrants may enter multiple films in multiple categories.
Short Films must NOT contain; nudity, drug use or excessive violence.
Feature Films must be suitable for audiences 15 years and above.
Entrant must have copyright over the film and music and the film submitted.
You must pay the entry fee when you submit and upload your film via a submission site in the correct format to be in the running for any monetary prizes and trophies. Submissions must be received no later than the entry deadline with all required paperwork and releases provided.
Accepted films will be required to sign a finalist agreement.
Accepted films can be removed if it is believed that there are legal issues about producer rights.
Accepted films can only be removed at festivals discretion.
Submitters will be added to organisation digital newsletters and other opportunities.
The upcoming ninth Capricorn Film Festival will be yet another cinema experience not to be missed in Central Queenlsand.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Donate and Support future filmmakers through our DGR Capricorn Film Festival Donation Fund gifts over $2 are 100% tax deductible
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Join the festival team and have a great time with like minded people from across the region.
